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Paul Zeise's sports chat: 01.28.21
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12:45
I know that Roethlisberger isn't what he used to be, but I'm surprised that everyone wants him to retire.  From what I could see, the main problem down the stretch was our offensive scheme: too predictable in the short passing game and ineffective at running the ball.  I'm thinking Ben could still be very effective next year with a revitalized O-line and some better/more creative play calling.  Your thoughts?
Zeise
12:47
Again, Ben chose the offense, he chose the offensive coordinator, he called the plays - any deficiencies with the scheme or play calling us on Ben
JDub
12:47
Paul.  It’ time for the Steelers to move on from Ben. We need a more balanced offense and Ben in the shotgun makes that nearly impossible. I say we see what Rudolph has to offer and maybe see if Haskins can be developed. Do you agree?
Zeise
12:48
I agree it is time to see what Rudolph has to offer. The organization has acquiesced to Roethlisberger too much in recent years
Melanie
12:49
Ben wants Juju back, that is laughable in the way of salary cap, does he know? If he wants another shot why don’t he instead play for vet minimum he Cashed in 2019 while being out the whole season basically, now do one for the team.. we need money to have a competitive team based on how things are.. if he not, I would let him leave now plus others and look for the future, why let other year pass by and push back the future.. thoughts?
Zeise
12:51
I don’t like any scenario which requires Roethlisberger to move his dead money down the road. I think there is some room for him to take a straight pay cut but I’m not sure how much they could save and I doubt he would want to take a pay cut
Joe
12:51
Do you think it was unprofessional (maybe immature) of Rutherford to resign at the time that he did, 7 games into the season, if the purported reason for it was because management nixed a trade idea of his, or he harbored some ill will to management over the firing of his assistant GM many months ago? Seems like a big middle finger to the Pens and very juvenile
Zeise
12:56
Here is the best part of this story - we have a town full of “Penguins media experts” writing definitively that they have the golden source and they know exactly what happened. And they all have a different story. SMDH. I’ve been a beat reporter and I know there is pressure to get to the heart of it but it is OK at times to say “I don’t know” or “I’m not sure” It is clear Rutherford and the owners didn’t see eye to eye on some things.And Rutherford decided he was no longer needed or valued and said “good bye” I don’t know exactly what happened so I can’t make a definitive comment about whether he was in the right or wrong
Bernard
12:57
I'm a Buckeye alum and B10 fan.  I always hoped Pitt would find its way into the B10 (although knowing Penn State would never approve).  Rutgers and MD have both been total busts (yeah I know, the TV market . . .).  My question given your knowledge of the program:  Would Pitt athletics be more successful from a performance, culture and financial standpoint had they found their way into the B10?  The two revenue generating sports just seem irrelevant nationally at this point and I find it sad as a Pitt fan growing up in the '70s before being converted in college.
Zeise
1:01
No Pitt is not a good fit in the Big Ten. If you are confused see Maryland and Rutgers. Pitt would not be able to compete in football annually and in basketball I think it would be a hard sell in recruiting. Pitt is in the right conference. It is more like the schools in the ACC than the Big Ten. Pitt is not relevant nationally because it doesn’t win enough and if they were in the Big Ten they would win less
OrangeFlameBulbs
1:01
Hey Paul,  Wouldn't it be smart for the Steelers to cut some combination of players who are done or near done like Ben, Pouncey, DeCastro and Haden and use those $$s to sign younger, talented players like Bud, Juju, Sutton or a FA or two.  Keeping the former group of players for another year at the expense of loosing latter doesn't make sense.
Zeise
1:01
Yes that’s what we all have been saying. It is time to move on from some of those guys and start a new era of teams that compete for the Super Bowl
Brad
1:04
what happens with the Steelers QB situation in 2022 when Ben and Rudolph are no longer under contract? Wouldn't it be better to draft one now rather than wait?
Zeise
1:05
I would say that is the plan. It won’t shock me if they draft on this draft and then sign one next offseason. I think the starting quarterback for 2022 is not currently on the roster
Amanda
1:05
So big deal. 1 time Walls appeared with you, probably because the other guy Taylor was sick. I am positive you and Walls won't be working together regularly because you both laugh at drinking. Nobody wants to see that and my husband told you off last month on that call. It was great.
Zeise
1:08
It is Walsh, first off not Walls..... And Amanda, have another beer and relax. Last time your husband called, wasn’t that “Colt 45” banging in the background on your IPad? Ha ha ha ha Tap the Bottle and Twist the cap......
Robert
1:09
What happens when you have a team with a handful of players that drive 80% of wins, and is always in top of division?  
1)  You can never get good draft picks
2)  You quickly become like a tire that is way out of balance.
3)  Other teams quickly outcoach your unidimensional strategy
We would be better to come in last this year just to get some good players-do you agree?
Zeise
1:10
I agree the Steelers need better players. Period
Ke'Bryan Hayes
1:11
My organization is trading away everyone! By the time maybe we can be competitive I'll be close to being a free agent. Will Mr. Nutting sign me and others in free agency because none of my friends and family think he will? His track record speaks for itself Paul.
Zeise
1:13
Well my advice to you is to play your butt off, put up big numbers and go get that Yankees money in a few years!!!
Sam
1:13
For all the talk about change from Tomlin and the Steelers after their collapse, it's still looking like same ol' same ol' from them. They should know also they aren't gonna to any Super Bowl with an aging Ben. Why not see what Mason can do for a full season? And why is Danny Smith still with them? His special teams are the worst!! Art Rooney seems way over his head as owner compared to his predecessors.
Zeise
1:15
I agree with everything you said actually. Danny Smith should be gone. You have one year left with Rudolph why not see what he can do.
Louis
1:15
Were you surprised that, again  no team hired Bieniemy as their head coach especially in light of KC’s prolific offense?  Thanks.
Zeise
1:20
I have some theories about why Eric Bienemy hasn’t gotten a job yet. I don’t think it has to do with race or even that people believe Andy Reid calls the plays in Kansas City. I’ll just leave this here as I know it is not allowed to be discussed because, well, some narratives and all..... https://www.cincyjungle.com/platform/amp/2019/1/6/18169793/bengals-coa...
Seymour
1:20
Why don't the Steelers use their heads a bit? You cut Ben to save $20 million. You let Mason play next year and if he stinks which some believe, we won't win many games and perhaps get a top 6 pick. Then we can draft a franchise quarterback and with the Ben savings sign a couple of guys we couldn't otherwise. Am I missing something here?
Zeise
1:20
No as I said before - that’s exactly the plan that makes the most sense for the Steelers future
South Hills Mike
1:21
I know there are a lot of varying opinions regarding 58, but it appears that almost everyone outside of Pittsburgh (include too many writers) want to lump him in with top tier defenseman.  Objectively, he hurts the team more overall then he helps.  The PP has not been good over several years when he's on it and much better when someone else has run the point.  What are your thoughts?
Zeise
1:23
He is a guy who probably best exemplifies the concept of taking stock of does his good outweigh the bad and is he worth it. I’ve said for three years they should try and trade him and hope his reputation as a superstar overvalues him and you get a big return. I don’t believe they need him to win and I think some of his negatives make you wonder if he is worth making the face of your blue line
YinzerinVa
1:23
What will be the Steelers best move this offseason?  Staff, player, etc
Zeise
1:30
Wow that is a great question. I would say they will make a great draft pick in the first round. Also if Kevin Colbert retires, i am all for Brandon Hunt getting the job
daniel1111
1:30
According to John Clayton, it is almost 100% Big Ben is coming back. This should shoot down a possible Watson trade. If we can establish a strong run game next season, we can at least be competitive despite harsh schedule and aim for a playoff berth. My roadmap for doing this? 1st round OT, 2nd~4th round best available RB/TE/C. I would also go after a veteran RB like Marlon Mack. Agree?
Zeise
1:31
If they bring Ben back and it looks like they are and he will be back - they absolutely need a LT, RB and TE over all else. And even if he doesn’t come back those three areas plus QB have to be the priorities
Sunner in Orlando
1:31
Do you think Rutherford butted heads with ownership on direction of the club? For example rumor has it he wanted to trade Geno right now to get the most back for him versus waiting until he really slows down where he would not fetch much in a trade?
Zeise
1:32
Again I don’t know what “reports” and “rumors” to believe. It sounds like there was a real rift of some sort and here is where it ended up.
Melanie
1:33
You know Paul, I really liked the Haskins signing.. he could be special, I think a much better player than Rudolph coming out of college in my eyes.. let them compete this year to see if they can be the future.. thoughts?
Zeise
1:33
I had no problem with it. It is high reward/low risk type deal. The Steelers have absolutely no risk in this one and it may turn out to be a great deal for them
REID
1:34
Hi Paul, before the season started what % of Steeler fans would have signed up for 12-4 record, 34 TD passes, 4,000 yds passing, Division championship, w/ Ben coming off major surgery and having 3 new receivers and a broken down OL and running game?
Zeise
1:35
The same percentage who would have signed up for getting boat raced at Heinz Field by the Browns in the wild card round of the playoffs
Pauie in AZ
1:35
Hi Paul. Love your articles and ideas. Note to Amanda........tap that bottle, crack the lid, make sure you have a sidecar of Bullit Bourbon or a Jamesons ready to rock with that cold one! Anyway. Thanks for all you do Paul!
Zeise
1:36
Sage advise for you there Amanda straight from Arizona!!! Thanks to all for a great chat let’s do it again next week!!!
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